A new pact, approved by Cabinet this week, will provide an enabling environment across African states for the recognition of higher education qualifications, allowing for the mobility of learners, academics and workers across the continent.

Cabinet says it has approved the submission of the Revised Convention on the Recognition of Studies, Certificates, Diplomas, Degrees and other Academic Qualifications in Higher Education in African States, to Parliament, for ratification.

“This Revised Convention aims to provide an enabling environment across African States for the recognition of higher education qualifications such as certificates, diplomas, degrees and other academic qualifications, [thereby] allowing for the mobility of learners, academics and workers across the continent.

“The Minister of Higher Education and Training will deposit the ratified instrument with the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO),” said Cabinet in a statement on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Cabinet also approved the publication of the National Policy for an Integrated Career Development System for South Africa, for public comment. The policy provides for an enabling environment for Career Development Services provision through policies, guidelines, protocols, mechanisms, structures, shared responsibilities and collaboration.

“This will go further in ensuring that all citizens of all ages have access to quality career information and career development services throughout their lives, so that they are able to make better and more informed career and life decisions that deliver high levels of employment and help to increase sustainable economic growth in the country and enhance their full participation in the overall development of South Africa,” said Cabinet.

This is aligned to the National Development Plan, which recommends the promotion of economic growth and employment, matching of unemployed workers to jobs, increasing skills development and the numbers of university graduates.